At times – I think that it’d be fair to say – I harbour a tendency to overthink things. To look for meaning when perhaps none is there. To grasp at the straws of linear causality in a desperate attempt to clarify the opaque correlations that I have become so hell-bent on establishing.

I am aware of this; I am, however, also aware that in a broader context, this penchant for convolution is by no means the most debilitating or toxic of afflictions. Indeed, it barely registers stock on an index of myriad other – and dare I say immeasurably more damaging – flaws whose share prices constantly jostle for position as a reminder to me daily of the fragility and value of my own self-worth. I charitably, if somewhat optimistically, indulge to label these weaknesses as ‘idiosyncrasies’. Charity, after-all, begins at home. Or so I’m told.

Al Nasr FC hosted a press conference yesterday for local media outlets at the Al Maktoum Stadium to announce the upcoming WFA events on May 1-3. Representatives from the Dubai Sports Council attended, accompanied by reporters from the local Arabic newspapers as well as Abu Dhabi TV.

Al Nasr CEO Mr. Abdulla Khamis Buamim accompanied by Al Nasr Board Advisor Mr. Iain Shaw welcomed all media and offered an invitation to all Coaches from within the Dubai clubs to attend the ‘Basic + Advanced Courses’. The Dubai Sports Council also welcomed the invitation and offered to support the Clubs and Coaches wishing to take part in the 3-day educational event.

“We are excited to partner with WFA Middle-East on this project. Our goal is to continuously raise the level of education within our own Club but also to offer that educational experience to the wider coaching community. We know this event will benefit the entire UAE football family” Iain Shaw, Al Nasr FC Board Advisor

Former Wales coach Raymond Verheijen has offered some words of advice to club coaches to help avoid burning out young players like Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

The 42-year-old, who worked closely with the Welsh set up under Gary Speed’s stewardship, has written a book titled Complete Handbook for Conditioning for Soccer and is seen as an expert in developing youth players.

Verheijen believes young players have to be given special considerations when they initially break into the first team, identifying Kane and Sterling as prime examples in recent years.

Dubai-UAE 23 March, 2015 – In response to a high demand from coaches and team officials in the Middle East, the organising committee of Hazza Bin Zayed under 17 International Football Tournament, is proud to announce its association with World Football Academy (WFA) to conduct the debut of coaches clinic in the UAE.

Aimed at building and garnering new talent as well, this exciting and engaging clinic is scheduled to take place in the Chairman’s Lounge at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on the 30th and 31st of March in Al Ain. The clinic will be a part of the Hazza Bin Zayed under 17 International Football Tournament that is taking place between 26th to 31st of March. The tournament is aimed at growing the following of the sport in the region and is in line with the numerous government initiatives in place to truly position the UAE and football on a regional and global stage

The coaches clinic platform aims to give attendees relevant knowledge from an internationally recognized individual in world football conditioning; Raymond Verheijen, Founder & CEO at World Football Academy (WFA), the world’s leading independent education institute for coaches, staff members and players. This is also considered as one of the major knowledge providers to several FA’s and clubs around the world, servicing over 2,000 football specialists in more than 20 countries per year.

Waleed Al Hosani, member of the organising committee said: “Our aim is to take the Hazza Bin Zayed under 17 International Football Tournament, to a global level. Whilst we have a number of internationally recognized clubs, we felt that we needed to add additional value to it. Obviously the key aim of this tournament is to grow and develop talent, and the association with WFA is perfect to help us deliver on these goals.”

Over the course of two days a range of workshops will be offered. The first day’s activities will include The Coaches Symposium; Principles of Football Periodization, Football Tactics and Youth Periodization. During the second day, The Basic course Football Periodisation, will include; Football Physiology, Football Performance, Football Fitness and Football conditioning exercises. All participants will also receive an official WFA certificate stating they have accomplished all requirements of the course.

“In every country in the world of football, talents are born. But it depends on the quality of the coaches whether these talents get the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Therefore, I am delighted that the organising community of the Hazza Bin Zayed under 17 International Football Tournament, has decided to invest in the education of its coaches – this ensures the UAE will become a stronger power in world football.” said Raymond Verheijen

Participation for the Day one is free. As there is a restricted seating availability, all participants must pre-register to ensure they are booked within the 250 available seats. To register please email registration@aacic.ae

Participation for Day 2 Basic course Football Periodisation, must pre-register and make payment in full to ensure a seat for them, from the maximum 60 seats, that are available. To register please visit: www.worldfootballacademy.ae/calendar.

“Based on our football specific philosophy, World Football Academy (WFA) has grown into the world’s leading independent coach education organization delivering multiple courses worldwide in all areas of football related expertise. Our mission is to bring the best coaches and experts to the doorstep of not only the elite in football but to coaches of all levels and in each region of the world. We are dedicated to educating the Next Generation of coaches – we strongly believe that they are the future of football!” Verheijen added.